How Much Fat Survives a Facial Fat Transfer?

Dermal fillers can restore a more youthful appearance, but they only last a few months or years. A facial fat transfer uses your own fat for long-lasting, natural results. This procedure, which is actually the transplantation of tissue, can replace lost facial volume, smooth lines, and correct under-eye circles.  

What is a Facial Fat Transfer?

A facial fat transfer removes fat from a donor site on your body and injects it into targeted areas of the face. This minimally invasive procedure provides volume and enhancement almost anywhere your face needs. Your fat cells are carefully preserved during the process so they can establish themselves and thrive in their new location.

How Does a Facial Fat Transfer Work? 

During facial fat transfer, Dr. Langdon will select a donor area, often the abdomen, flanks or thighs. Fat harvested from these areas is processed to clean and prepare the fat cells for transfer. The fat is then injected into areas of the face that can benefit from the added volume. Because the procedure uses your own living fat cells, the body will not try to remove them like it removes some dermal fillers. 

How Much Fat Survives a Facial Fat Transfer?

Dr. Langdon has mastered the process of harvesting and preparing fat cells. As a result, these fat cells have an excellent chance of surviving when injected. Results will vary depending on your body’s unique reaction to the treatment. 

In most cases, anywhere between 50% and 80% of injected fat cells will survive the transfer. Surgeons usually inject enough fat to account for this (“over-correct”) to make sure you see the results you want. 

What Can a Facial Fat Transfer Treat?

Facial fat transfer excels in providing natural-looking fullness and smoothness. We use fat transfer to improve facial features like:

• Hollow temples
• Undereye circles
• Loss of cheek volume
• Nasolabial folds and other deep lines
• Thin or narrow lips

Fat cells are safe to use almost anywhere because they augment or replace natural fat. In the transfer process, small clumps of fat cells must be carefully placed to receive sufficient blood supply. Once injected, these cells will behave just like the fat cells around them and, after engraftment, will last just as long. 

What is Recovery Like From a Facial Fat Transfer?

You can expect some facial swelling that lasts about a week. We recommend taking up to a week off to rest and recover for quicker healing. Your bruising will be minimal, and you will likely feel comfortable returning to work by that time. 

Your results will become visible after your swelling fades. The fat cells that survive the transfer will stay there for a lifetime. However, they can shrink if you lose a large amount of weight. Unlike dermal fillers, facial fat transfer gives you results that last for many years. 

Maintaining Facial Fat Transfer Results Beyond 5 Years: Tips and Insights

Facial fat transfer at the Langdon Center offers a long-lasting cosmetic solution with natural-looking results, allowing many patients to enjoy their enhanced appearance for five years or more. The longevity of these results depends on individual factors such as health, lifestyle, and how the body processes fat. With proper care, you can maximize the benefits of your procedure and maintain your refreshed look for years to come.

Tips to Prolong Facial Fat Transfer Results

1. Follow Post-Procedure Instructions
   Adhering to the Langdon Center’s detailed post-procedure care plan is essential. This includes protecting treated areas, avoiding strenuous activities during recovery, and using recommended skincare products to support healing and integration of transferred fat.
2. Maintain a Stable Weight
   Weight fluctuations can impact the longevity of fat transfer results. Significant weight loss or gain can affect the appearance of the treated areas. Aim for a balanced diet and regular exercise to keep your weight consistent over time.
3. Hydration is Key
   Staying hydrated promotes skin elasticity and overall health, which can enhance the appearance of the transferred fat and maintain a youthful, plump look.
4. Protect Your Skin from Sun Damage
   Excessive sun exposure can accelerate skin aging and damage fat cells. Use broad-spectrum sunscreen daily and wear protective clothing to shield your skin from harmful UV rays.
5. Adopt a Healthy Lifestyle
   A diet rich in antioxidants, vitamins, and healthy fats can nourish your skin and support the longevity of your results. Avoid smoking, as it can negatively impact blood flow and the survival of transferred fat.

The results of facial fat transfer after 5 years might be similar to those after 6 months if you maintain a healthy skincare routine. In addition, the growth factors naturally present in fat cells play a significant role in stimulating a regenerative response that can delay skin aging at the cellular level. This was highlighted in a 2020 study published in the Aesthetic Surgery Journal.

These growth factors enhance collagen production and improve skin quality, contributing to healthier, more youthful, and glowing skin from the inside out. This unique benefit makes facial fat transfer not just a volumizing treatment but also a skin rejuvenation solution, offering both aesthetic and regenerative advantages.

Take the Next Step 

If you have further questions about facial fat transfer, we encourage you to schedule a consultation at The Langdon Center in Guilford, CT. Call us at 203-453-8625 or fill out our convenient online contact form.